Guardsman pleads not guilty in fatal crash

Mar. 4, 2013 - 10:34AM
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Last Updated: Mar. 4, 2013 - 10:34AM |

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. — A Kentucky National Guard soldier has pleaded not guilty to charges in a vehicle crash in North Dakota that killed two passengers and injured a third.

Twenty-three-year-old Christopher Brandt of Lowmansville, Ky., faces two counts of manslaughter and one count of reckless endangerment. KZZY radio reported that he could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Authorities allege Brandt was driving drunk at a high speed last Sept. 13 when he lost control of his car. The crash killed 31-year-old Ronald Forsyth and 23-year-old Jason Burnette. Brandt and 23-year-old David Duncan were injured.

All four were Kentucky guardsmen undergoing military training at Camp Grafton, near Devils Lake.